Friday, August 8, 2008

Interview with Nicole Grasso-Correnti...

BH: Tell us a little about yourself..designs by lulubelle: My name is Nicole. I live about 45 minutes north of Boston with my husband and three small children. I graduated from Boston College in 1999 with a degree in Nursing. I've been a cardiac nurse for 9 years and just recently transitioned to be a work at-home mom.

BH: How long have you been doing your craft?designs by lulubelle: I've been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. Nothing made me happier as a small child than a new box of crayons or a trip to the art supply store. I took art lessons at the MFA as a child and then sewing and quilting. I've always been up to trying to techniques. In middle school and high school I was very drawn to fashion design. So of course, it seemed like the natural progression of things that I would end up with a degree in Nursing! After having children, my love affair with art and color returned.

BH: What was the first thing you made by hand?designs by lulubelle: The first thing I recall making was felt Christmas ornaments. Both of my parents are very artistic and have always been very supportive of the creative process.BH: What is your favorite color combination and materials?designs by lulu belle: Right now, my favorite color combination is red and aqua. I love fabric and love using linen to offset some of the brighter and busier patterns.

BH: How would you describe your work?

designs by lulubelle: My work basically revolves around modern wares for moms and tots – handbags, accessories and baby items. I'm in the process of reworking my business plan and trying to create a more cohesive "line". I love incorporating unexpected color combinations. I enjoy the creative process and love putting together different fabric samples.

BH: What is your biggest obstacle?designs by lulubelle: My biggest obstacle right now is time, there just never seems to be enough of it. I tend to work after my children are in bed so I can get in a few hours of work at night. My ideas seem to come faster than I can produce them so I try to keep a journal with me so I can sketch ideas and dimensions for future reference.

BH: What other mediums to you enjoy?designs by lulubelle: I enjoy drawing and painting (primarily with watercolors).

BH: Have you done any good summer reading?designs by lulubelle: I just recently completed Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, Indonesia, and India by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'd classify it as good but not great.

BH: What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday morning?designs by lulubelle: Around my kitchen table with my family with homemade pancakes and a fantastic cup of coffee. The coffee is essential because my kids have yet to learn the joy of sleeping past 6:30 in the morning.

BH: What are your business goals for the next few years?designs by lulubelle: To grow and establish my business and to enjoy the process and journey as much as I do now.